User Guide - Software For Screen Printers
Contents
1. Spot Process _ eparation Studio On Screen and On Press Accurate toa Tee SOFTWARE USER MANUAL The Screen Print Industries Most Accurate Easy To Use and Highly Productive Raster and Tonal Image Color Separation Software On Screen and On Press Accurate to a Tee W E L Spot Process Separation Studio is the latest version of the industries FIRST MOST ACCURATE and EASIEST TO USE tonal image color separation software designed for screen printers by screen printers Making fast and easy work of high end raster tonal image color separating revolutionized the industry in 1995 when Freehand Graphics Inc released Spot Process the Photoshop Plug In It has been widely accepted and proven as the best color separation engine and the company has been 0 M E recognized as delivering the best technical support to its users From Freehand s first software release in 1995 plug in to this NEW version stand alone application user s have been provided free fully functional trials as well as free technical support Not every company can do this or is willing to You have made the best choice in soft ware and in the company that develops and supports it Please enjoy the software and we wish you great business success ay E www softwareforscreenprinters com What s New Besides just about everything Separation Studio is still driven by the acclaimed color algorithm that is Spot Process2. TIP After clicking OK after the Adjust by Saturation Tool is moved the change will apply If you then reopen the slider it will revert back to its default position BUT the previous adjustment will remain Yes you can still adjust the same Channel again TARGETED COLOR CHANNEL ADJUSTMENTS L Select the Channel name you wish to color adjust by clicking once on the ii Channel Window located on the very bottom of your screen Polygon Use one of the SELECTION Tools provided such as the LASSO POLYGON or Sie SELECT tool to target an area of your Channel Double click on a Channel Name not on the color box to its left and the Adjust by Saturation Range box will appear When you move either of the sliders the saturation of the color in the targeted area for that color Channel will change accordingly You can work inside the SELECTION area default or Inverse the Selection and work on the area outside of the Selection Once you select OK the settings will be applied 38 Spot Process SEPARATION SOFTWARE Operating Separation Studio it Gi Targeted Adjustments Why is this NEW Feature so valuable Targeted Adjustments allow you to adjust a particular section of a color Channel In this example we want to adjust the front red panel of the soccer ball only and NOT effect any other red data Using the Lasso Tool we isolated the section and adjusted the Saturation The Selection Features in Spot Process Separation Studi
3. PREVIEWS EXPLAINED Adobe has changed its work flow for DCS2 eps files ONLY for Illustrator Separation quality remains of high quality but the preview will appear washed out The graphics world awaits a resolve from Adobe For perfect previews use previous versions of CS CS3 Illustrator or InDesign Spot Process SEPARATION SOFTWARE Printing Separations Illustrator ay 4 Print as usual These high end separations are as easy to print as simple spot color vector designs through the SEPARATIONS section Print Preset Custom H Printer AccuRI to Epson 1400 PPD Default AccuRIP to Epson 1400 General Genaral lhes and Bigg Copies 1 Collate ifera Creer an All W ignore Artboards ruphiet Color Management Range iD Bane Artboards Media Size Defined by Driver rr Transverse Width 8 5 in Height 11 in Walala Options f F Placement a X 1 in Yi 1 8784 in Do Not Scale _ Fit to Page O Custom Scale W 100 H 100 OTile Full Pages s Overlap 0 in Scale W 100 a H 100 Tile Range Print Layers Visible amp Printable Layers HM Page Setup Printer Cancel G Done Choose your PRINTER setup your page and media size etc Then choose OUTPUT TIP If using Adobe Illustrator registration marks select Ignore Artboards This will place your marks on the page close to your image 4
4. WANT TO ADD ELEMENTS to your file before outputting gt Fyr agf Pir bela You re going to need a color E mea palette to match the imported a EEA file colors The colors in this oi pe palette will help you color added vector elements logos type This is so you can get professional output with clean vector and halftone raster Th ee Oo T 8 a Gare Bboy So ahh Top ee i E oh be i 4 images on the same film separation t Hi i fart 7 eS ae ie ig ce tay z For example you can add text copy and color it with the same Red from your Separation Studio color separation so the vector and the raster Red elements will output to the same film HOW TO DEVELOP THE COLOR PALETTE 1 Go to the PRINT Window in Corel DRAW X5 You should be prompted with a series of windows alerting you that Corel identifies each spot color contained in the EPS file Warning early releases of Corel X5 appear to be inconsistent and may not show these alert windows That does not mean it did not operate properly Corea oe There an EPS of ductone file in his document tat referceccs an inecalled 1 White Bee The inks nct found in acy of the ansing soot olor pretes thas been sided tothe User Defines nes paletre 43 Spot Process SEPARATION SOFTWARE Printing Separations Corel 2 Close the PRINT Window yes close the Window 3 Go to the TOOLS Menu gt
5. resulting in the finest quality separations and press workflow available today NOW it s surrounded by powerful tools and turbo charged redraw engine Separate Files with Transparent Backgrounds Wow now create only ONE master file and use that to create all your separations including the black channel Instant Screen Redraw Variety of Editing Tools Lots of editing tools and selection tools so you can control every part of your image individually New dark interface eases eye strain Expand your Separation Studio user interface to full screen and work with eye calming colored windows and menus Create and control your own textile background and ink color sets Open and work on multiple files Ink and film views These views help the artist and production team make exact edits and decisions Multiple Window Views These views allow you to open the same Channel and see it 3 different ways full color just that Channel in its color and just that Channel in black and white film view Backgrounds can even be eliminated to view Channels on transparent backgrounds Channel Properties Window This Window allows the user to change everything from the channel name and color to press position in one easy window Dock able and Lock able Windows This allows you to customize your workspace Independent Background Layer Having an independent background layer not saved as a spot color means you will not accidently
6. Channels Menu ae wan Channels Menu continued fl High Saturation Slider see image C below Sliding to the right saturates data in the Channel increasing ink flow on press resulting in a brighter color result Low Saturation Slider see image C below Sliding to the left removes existing data starting with the lowest percentage values reducing color brightness IMPORTANT Use the Low Saturation slider on the White Top Channel to allow for better color on press Too much white tends to mute other colors Files that are not color prepared well tend to have more white data than needed and a small cut back using the Low Saturation Slider allows for better overall color Start by changing the adjustment to 95 USER TIP Overprinting more than 20 White has a large effect on any color For bright saturated color be sure to monitor and adjust the Final White Channel as desired High Saturation Low Saturation Image C 16 Spot Process SEPARATION SOFTWARE Proof Positive Menu Generate Black Menu Ae SeparationStudio File Edit Channels Generate Black View Window Oe ME Slack a oiameter Proof Positive Menu Here you can turn on and off the view of individual Channels as well as Show ALL turn on the view and Hide ALL turn off the view of ALL Channels at the same time user tip you can right click in the main file window to handle the same function SeparationStudio File Edit Channels Proof Positi
7. Film view grayscale b Turning off the ground color sets the background to transparent c Shows Adjustment Sliders for that individual Channel Ground Select This shows the present Ground color as well as editing the Ground color VueRite Channels Window Similar to the Channels Window in previous versions of Spot Process a Click the color swatch and bring up Edit Channel Properties letting you change the Channels color print position name and even create a new color b Double click on the Channel name and display that Channels individual adjustment sliders c Move your mouse over the image and the multi layer densitometer displays the density percentages for each channel at that x y co ordinate A very valuable tool for getting things right when you are printing inks wet on wet d Check marks turn channel views on and off Open and Save Files Separation Studio has greatly expanded its list of compatible file formats and color modes Click the pop down menu for a full listing But working with RGB TIF transparent or RGB PNG transparent files offer the very best workflow Separation Studio saves all files in the DCS2 0 format This advanced format can save an unlimited amount of Color Channels and retains all spot color values as well as press position 26 Spot Process SEPARATION SOFTWARE Samples as Ta b Turns Ay oe Sey Spot Process Separation Studio can separate many art files
8. Generate Black View Window Separ Ground Color oiameter Channels Menu Duplicate Channel Creates a copy of a chosen Channel A Window will appear allowing you to choose a Channel Delete Channel Deletes removes a chosen Channel A Window will appear allowing you to choose a Channel Apply Channel The Apply Channel feature is used to combine data from one Channel to another for special effects or to help build greater underbase Channel support for a color 1 Select a Source channel that contains the data you wish to share with another channel 2 Select a Target channel that will receive the data 3 Select a Blending method There is Multiply and Darken Multiply is selected by default and is usually the best choice Multiply combines the data that is being moved and creates a common value based on the difference between the two Channels Darken adds only data from the Source channel that is darker than data that already exist on the Target channel 3 Spot Process SEPARATION SOFTWARE Channels Menu ae Gan Channels Menu continued Move Away From Ground Move Toward Ground Move away from and move toward Ground changes the print position of a selected channel You may use this to view how a custom print order will effect the print on press Moves a Channel one print position at a time User Tip Quickly move a Channel to any print position using the Channel Properties window Click the color swatch in
9. SEPARATION SOFTWARE Quick View Be ok QUICK VIEW Open File Close File Save File SeparatiogSstudio File Edit Channels Proof Positive Generate Black View Window Help Separation Studia Ground Calor WD ciameter EER Hardness Drag Zoom Lasso Polygon Select Saturation Desaturation Eraser Descriptions of each Tool and Software feature of Spot Process Separation Studio are provided throughout this User Manual as well as in the software by way of convenient pop up tool description windows http www softwareforscreenprinterstech com separation studio Spot Process SEPARATION SOFTWARE Separation Studio Menu File Menu Ay amp a f 1 Separation Studio Menu z A Macintosh ONLY Menu Windows users will locate these features under the File and Help Menus About Menu Displays the software version number Preferences Allows you to default the program to view color Channels in INK VIEW color or FILM VIEW black and white It also allows you to change the Undo Limit which is the amount of undo s allowable Quit Quits the Separation Studio Application Additional items for Macintosh users located under the Separation Studio Menu are Services and Hide Show All Edit Channels Proof Positive Generate Black View Window Sepan Ground Color WD diameter File Menu Open Close Window Close Documents Close All Documents Open and Close files and documents When op
10. There is an EPS or duotone file in this document that references an ink called 1 White Base This ink was mot found in any of the existing spot color palettes R has been added to the User Defined Inks palette cereral Coior Composte Layout Prepress ie Ho zasul Destination Frogter EPSON Stylus Fhoto 400 Series preferencen Fae Match orientation Porte Usg PFD Stshust Default primier Reedy Location USEQDL Comment Print to tie Frim mange Capes W Curent document Deouments Humber af popkes 1 z C Cume page dedin py g y pa 5 iL BEJ A 1 Pagea op ci BE ogis Even Did z Print as bitrreap idp Print she Custom Current settings not Sti 7 SeA Print Previews at enoet Aap __ Hote STEP 1 Choose your printer Set your page preferences formerly known as properties Next go to the COLOR Tab of the PRINT Window 4 Spot Process SEPARATION SOFTWARE Printing Separations Corel X3 and X4 Fa N Gereral Color Separator Layout Prepreze PostScript x7 No Iesues 5 Print gampecite Print separations 2 Wea poumet color setting Use coor proof settings OTiDRAN CAVE Corvart spet calars to CAVE Correct colors uing color projie U S Webs Comted EWOP wE Preceren OME numbers Bensering intent Relatie colorimainc The color setings available in this dialog are set for a PostScript printer which b the primer bpe thst you sclecio
11. active Channels Channels Shows small previews of each Channel Right click each Channel for a list of options Options include Open in a New Window Edit Channel Properties Delete Channel Duplicate Channel and Adjust Channel Densitometer Window This is a slim multi layer densitometer designed to save screen space By default it is hidden The VueRite Window handles the same function so there is no need to have both on screen together If you decide to close the VueRite Window and use the NEW Channel Window for all your needs you ll need the Densitometer to display channel data percentages Ground Select Shows the current background color displayed Allows you to create and edit background colors Standard Window Displays File Open Green Arrow File Close Red X and Save Floppy Disk icons Tools Shows Tool bar containing Drag Zoom Selection Saturate Desaturate and Erase Tools Tool Settings Show the options available for each selected Tool JA Spot Process SEPARATION SOFTWARE Windows Explained ae Gant VueRite Channels Similar to the Channel Control Window from the previous Spot Process program Double click ona Channel name to bring up that Channel s High Saturation and Low Saturation adjustment slider Single click on the color swatch to open the Channel Properties where you can change the Channel name color and color press position Channel Densities are displayed in the Color Swatch area Spot Proc
12. as it supports a wide variety of file formats Our Best Advice When you have a raster image Photoshop file Corel Photo Paint or Painter file scanned imaged digital photograph or any raster image file jpeg TIFF etc Separation Studio will provide you outstanding separations quickly and easily ready for minor color adjustments using the built in tools and features You can even combine these separations with vector elements in your Illustration program and go crazy designing and outputting great designs that will easily print on press To make the best use of this software and every other graphics application you should understand when to use What kind of files can you separate with Spot Process Separation Studio a it T each of them so you get the very best end result If a file was completely built in an Illustration program such as Adobe Illustrator or Corel Draw and the number of spot colors does not exceed your press capabilities or the customer s budget then you should use the separation ability built in the same Illustration program Why Solids will remain as solids and gradients tints will print as halftones Typography and other vector elements will be clean and sharp Illustration programs exist for exactly this purpose When your illustration exceeds your press capability then Spot Process will develop a controlled set of colors allowing for a highly colored art file to fit your press and look great The art f
13. begin using Separation Studio You can do this process on other computers and simply work where the dongle is attached making this a portable license NOTE Your dongle is the most important part of the software and should be cared for properly Lost or damaged dongles can be replaced contact Freehand for replacement costs Terms of Agreement are provided at software installation Read the Manual and visit the web site for any additional documentation or videos so you can get the finest results possible Expect great results INSTALLATION Troubleshooting Help for common installation questions are at http www softwareforscreenprinterstech com option to submit a Rapid Response Support Request or review our KNOWLEDGEBASE Email tech softwareforscreenprinterstech com 4 Spot Process SEPARATION SOFTWARE Ae amp RESOURCES Great information is available in the User Guide Manual This User Guide is a great resource for learning about Spot Process Separation Studio As one of the industries greatest software solutions with an easy User Interface you should expect GREAT RESULTS Part of the process of high end color separating with Spot Process Separation Studio involves file preparation and film output Understanding how to build a quality file will result in better looking prints Understanding all the great features of the graphics applications you will output your files from will make this process easy and predi
14. count will also reduce detail captured during screen exposure Think about it All your films are produced with the same halftone size and angle so changing the mesh count ona single screen will certainly reduce that screens detail as compared to the other screens Also your sep arations have been produced mathematically the mathematics of how one color interacts with an other is exactly what producing secondary and tertiary color is all about Change the math and you change the result The base screen sets up all others so quality is important Learn more about being a quality printer and grow your profits http www softwareforscreenprinters com blog Mesh Counts AUTOMATIC Printing Presses Suggested Mesh Counts for Automatic Machines United States 230 mesh or 355 mesh Suggested Mesh Counts for Automatic Machines European Metric 90T mesh or 140T mesh MANUAL Printing Presses Manual printers will want to drop the above suggested mesh counts slightly Too much and the print will loose much of its detail and secondary colors Due to the amount of variables with this method of printing each shop will have to go on its experience and testing Start with 280 mesh United States Start with 110T mesh European Metric 53 Spot Process SEPARATION SOFTWARE Printing Separations Halftones Ae oan Screen Printing Ink A great aspect to printing separations created using Separation Studio is using HIGH QUALIT
15. ec MJE Image A Edit Textiles Ground Colors see image B on the next page Create and modify textile sets By default only Black and White colors are listed with a manufacturer name of Freehand and a Series name of Factory Using the plus and minus buttons you can create edit and remove custom sets using data received from your Textile manufacturer 10 Spot Process SEPARATION SOFTWARE Edit Menu Fa i i Edit Menu continued IMPORTANT It is strongly suggested to use the Black GROUND as often as possible to get the best visual on screen control HOW TO SECTION Create custom Textile sets using color values measured and supplied by Textile manufacturers This prevents you from making colors that are unrealistically bright on screen Click the More button to add filtering options to sort through multiple manufacturer color sets Click to add new colors Click to remove colors Click Edit to edit an existing color Here you can change names edit color create or add to manufacturer colors create a series within a manufacturer or simply add helpful notes for future reference Wans aciunn ENDE TED Name Sa a ae ee Wani acturer fF Chirag Red Rirsseli Jaskerball 5 Winter Culers Stonm Hua aidan Winther Colau Cragtw and Sava Cesborn Teottile Colo Facta Partary Oviginal ox Ee ec FEB eo FS 11 Spot Process SEPARATION SOFTWARE Edit Menu ae
16. into the proper print order Yes printing halftone blacks early is proper to achieve great color balance and control Channel data is better balanced with all Channels created from the same starting point From Document The Black Channel is more saturated than Channels created from file when the data is extracted from the Adjusted Channels Creates a Black Channel for the existing separated adjusted file Black Channels created this way tend to be slightly darker than channels created from saved files a Skeletal for a Black Channel that is strong in the shadow areas Great for dark garments that just need alittle black assistance b Detailed for medium color garments that require better mid range control c Sharper for medium to light garments and images that require the highest level of detail through out the entire image Usually these channels require no added adjustments Like everything else it is directly related the quality of the original but with most files they are great as is 18 Spot Process SEPARATION SOFTWARE View Menu ae Gat ls Proof Positive Generate Black View Window Help Separation Studio ociameter AMG Harcness FIG cance QUIERES View Menu Zoom feature choices Many of these features can be executed using keyboard commands or by selecting the Zoom Tool and changing the setting in the Tool Settings window Zoom In and Zoom out do exactly what you d expect view th
17. print this Channel to film or have to manage it in your graphics program No longer imported into the color palette as a useable spot color value NEW single file workflow Photoshop users can greatly reduce their workflow by creating a single file that will do all the separations for any print situation Separation Studio now handles the background as an independent function within the pro gram giving it control over transparent properties 1 Create an RGB TIF layered file with a transparent background When saving select transparency in the TIF options window see pages 31 and 32 2 Now you can use this one file to create your initial set of separations used for printing on a black garment and the same file to generate the black channel used to print on white and colored garments Easy fast and a great workflow enhancements FREE Videos online for Separation Studio and much more http www softwareforscreenprinterstech com video cafe Link to Separation Studio Specific Videos http www softwareforscreenprinterstech com separation studio Our Video Caf is loaded with instructional and informational videos about this software and much more ENJOY Spot Process SEPARATION SOFTWARE Valuable Technical Support Data and Videos are available on our web site www softwareforscreenprinters com Table of Contents Installation Trials and Purchasers Resources New Version Info STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTIONS WOR
18. the VueRite window or Right Click a Channel in the Channel Window and choose Channel Properties Change the press position number It is strongly advised to use the default print positions This is a tested and proven configuration A great Standard Operating Procedure SOP that your production printers will appreciate Enhance Red Orange This feature extends the Red Channel Data to increase the range of Red Channel Data enhancing red orange blends and colors Generate Brown This feature creates a specific Brown printing channel A close duplication to the Red channel users may wish to adjust this channel using the lighten adjustment sliders Best advice is to properly adjust your color image pre separation and allow Spot Process to create fantastic browns as secondary and tertiary colors and not add an extra Brown Channel to the print run Merge Merge Grey Merge Purple Merge Turquoise These features individually combine Channels to reduce the amount of screens needed for the final print Nothing is better than using the primary color Channels on press for total control but in times when press space is limited or budgets do not allow then merging screens is a great way to save space and money while still achieving great results Merge all 3 for instant ColorCrunch results 14 Spot Process SEPARATION SOFTWARE Channels Menu ae Ga Channels Menu continued Merge Purple splits the Purple Channel data between the Red
19. 7 Spot Process SEPARATION SOFTWARE Printing Separations Illustrator ay In the OUTPUT section of the PRINT Window choose Mode Separations Host Based Your spot colors are shown in the Document Ink Window Select the colors you want to print The Frequency Angle and Dot Shape may or may not be applicable with your output this depends on the RIP you are using for file output Regardless of line screen always choose the same SINGLE ANGLE for all colors 22 5 degrees is highly recommended to eliminate moir For more information about choosing line screens frequency dpi Ipi angles print order colors etc see the Color Separation Output section located in this manual el Print Preset i Custom E Printer AccuRIP to Epson 1400 ESE SEK PPD Default AccuRIP to Epson 1400 Output Separations Host Based Emulsion Up Right Reading Image Positive Printer Resolution 60 lpi 300 dpi gZ Convert All Spot Colors to Process Overprint Black poe ment ink Options Reset to Defaults E Pi Curia ed irii Frequancy Angle Dor Shape Ri White Base i t BE wee 2 Hue HES at Cole eet Apk RE Creer E aF Turques Griy ji aft afd chy _ Page Setup d Printer _ Cancel Cancel Ehm i Done 48 ies Spot Process SEPARATION SOFTWARE P
20. Gan Edit Menu continued Ink Mapping Allows you to assign stock or custom inks to the programs default startup ink set A very advanced user tool It is strongly advised to stick to the standard and proven Spot Process ink color set and not to alter these colors unless you have a very specific need and tested the results that altering these colors can cause Ink mapping can be used to customize Separation Studio to use a different color or set of colors when Spot Process separates an image Since Spot Process uses a specific set of RGB value colors to reproduce images just like CMYK has a standard set it is strongly advised that you DO NOT alter this default By default all Spot Process colors are listed with a Manufacturer name of Freehand and a Series name of Factory Using the plus and minus buttons you can create edit and remove custom ink sets based on data you receive from your ink manufacturer or mixing system HOW TO SECTION Select a color from the Manufacturers list to the left of this window then click the double arrow to the left of colors listed to the right of this window under Ink Map This will apply the new color to that Channel each time Spot Process separates an image Click Default to lock in your change All files opened separated after this change will then reference these colors 12 Spot Process SEPARATION SOFTWARE Channels Menu ae Gn SeparationStudio File Edit Proof Positive
21. K FLOW Reference File Preparation Pre Press ARTWORK File Preparation pre separation 29 QUICKVIEW Char ieee Image Resolution Quality File Tip File Format Separation Studio Menu si ss es Cropped Images Non Cropped Images Transparency FditMenu i ti ti i sts s s Ssis ee ee ee Different Printing Scenarios si ss ee 30 Channels Menu aaa 13 Transparent Backgrounds NEW __ 31 Proof Positive Menu eee ee 17 Separation Overview esses nee 34 Generate BlackMenus i lt st ke 17 Color Adjustments amp Edits 37 View Menu ne ee eee 19 Window Menu a 20 FILE OUTPUT Instructions CorelDRAW X5 a 40 SEPARATION STUDIOTOOLS sisi 21 Adobe Illustrator eee eee 46 Drag Zoom Lasso Polygon Lasso Select Quark XPress InDesign 50 Saturate Desaturate Eraser Photoshop gti ei tees 50 SOFTWARE WINDOWS ee eee ee 24 Halftone ScreenAngles i eee 51 Active Channels Channels Densitometer Window Halftone Spot Shape is eee 52 Ground Select Standard Window Tools Tool Settings Pre Press ScreenS a ee eee 52 Pre Press MeshCounts eaaa 53 VueRiteChannels ls ee eee 25 On Press Stock Screen Printing Ink 54 Proof Positive ha eee ee 25 On Press Dropping Adding Color 55 Channels a eee 25 On Press Print Order Position 55 Open and Save Files aa 26 Contact Request Tech Support Best Advice anann 27 Spot Process SEPARATION SOFTWARE Ae INS
22. NT When saving the Corel file as a PNG you will be prompted with an ALERT box see picture at the right AB cits min be merge mith bocaran n enporta Tie It will not have an effect on the process Select OK aa Lee 37 Spot Process SEPARATION SOFTWARE Operating Separation Studio AE NOT ALL BACKGROUNDS ARE CREATED EQUAL How to prep file backgrounds for printing on a BLACK garment only Let s say you have an art file that will JUST print on a Black garment You will just need an RGB image on a Black background can be flattened a transparent background or afully cropped image If the image other than a cropped image has any other color background you will need to change the background to BLACK or transparent so Separation Studio can separate the image properly and deliver all the proper color Channels white base all spectral colors top white no printing Black Channel is needed How to prep file backgrounds for printing on WHITE or ANY COLOR garment including a black garment Let s say you have an art file that will print on a white black or color garment You will need the image on a transparent background This is critical so Separation Studio can separate the image properly and deliver ALL the proper color Channels for screen printing white base black all spectral colors top white as proper film positives Extracting an image off of a flattened background during file preparation requires a proc
23. Palette Editor Here you will see all the colors in the EPS file listed in the DOCUMENT PALETTE Corel X5 now uses a DOCUMENT PALETTE as a separate way of organizing imported spot colors Click OK to close the window i Qocumert Palono me e la 3 a Eg Edk cotor Addl Colee __ Delete Gober Son Cours Reset Polette Selected Color Name 21 ihk Basa Tree es Spot Components LEDS FPL Wore Base cn Help 4 Goto the Window Menu gt Color Palettes gt More Palettes Click on Document Palette to create a Document Color Palette Now a Document Palette appears with your spot colors Use these colors with your vector elements to create clean professional film separations 44 Spot Process SEPARATION SOFTWARE Printing Separations Corel aN iai 5 When completed go ahead and PRINT your separations from the SEPARATIONS Tab of Corel s PRINT Window exact screen image shown previously Press amp Spot T 2 shades of Grey CRYE palette peih priste Peena RCA preie H biep Se ge BE i i Custom Color Palette created from spot colors in the EPS file available to color vector elements The Frequency Angle and Dot Shape may or may not be applicable with your output this depends on the RIP you are using for file output Regardless of line screen always choose the same SINGLE ANGLE for all colors 22 5 degrees is highly recommended to el
24. TALLATION of Spot Process Separation Studio TRIAL USERS 1 Download the Trial Installer from www softwareforscreenprinters com http www softwareforscreenprinters com download separation version 2 Run the Installer and Register the trial as prompted PURCHASERS 1 Attach the hardware USB Key dongle to a working USB port on your computer Avoid attaching to a USB hub The light on the USB Key will NOT be a steady green It will display the green light when it is called to by the software this is not a power light These new style USB dongles do not require any drivers similar to a USB memory stick but the device will NOT mount or appear on your computer 2 Run the Separation Studio Installer provided on the CD or downloaded If asked to replace a previous installation allow the replacement 3 Launch Separation Studio Applications or Programs folder You will be prompted with a screen that says it found a USB dongle and the dongle must be activated registered before use 4 Ifyou have a previous user account then use that account info and click the login button If that fails to login or you are a NEW user create a new account and click the login button A user may need to get the latest version if there was a previous install These updates are free 5 Awindow will appear telling you that your dongle has been ACTIVATED to run the Spot Process Separation Studio software 6 Click the Run Program button and
25. The Brown Channel PMS colors are 470 dark and 714 light Purple Pantone Purple in the name section of the Pantone Swatches and not in the section Green PMS 354 Turquoise PMS 312 Cool Gray PMS Cool Gray 8 White White not a thick white or it will over power the other colors 54 Whenever possible you want to use a balanced ink system same type and manufacturer except in the case of Spot Process SEPARATION SOFTWARE Printing Separations Halftones Ae Dropping and Adding Color from a Print Run WHITE BASE by default the 1 press position When printing on a White garment or substrate and even some light colored garments such as pastels it is NOT always necessary to use the White Base but Black will be needed experiment FINAL WHITE by default the 9 press position You will ALWAYS need the Final White Failure to print this screen will result in a poor quality print BLACK by default the 1 5 press position When printing on Black garments the Black Channel is not necessary Print Order Press Position The order shown of the Color Channels on screen indicate the proper and proven order for on press It is important to follow the order since it is a proven method All custom made spot screens metallics specialty etc should be added to the end of the Separation Studio Colors CONGRATULATIONS Congratulations you read the manual Separating outputting and screen printing high e
26. Y inks on press From their ease of use to the brightness they deliver high quality inks create sharper cleaner and more vibrant results than cmyk translucent inks The end result will also deliver a soft hand feel and not a bullet proof feel associated with other forms of printing or through other solutions The stock colors associated with this software are PMS matches of the RGB light spectrum colors You will appreciate having a standard and relatively small set of inks for printing ALL of your Separation Studio files These colors are spectral and will also be great choices for all your printing needs You can select the matches from the charts provided by the industry plastisol manufacturers such as Wilflex Rutland IC Union Lancer and others You can also use your ink mixing systems Print Order PMS Pantone Match amp Color White Base White a Flash quality white to warm an under base for flesh tones and nature use PMS 714 or PMS 470 matches Black Black opaque or process black Red PMS 032 Blue PMS 300 Gold PMS 123 or 122 ifa bright more yellow gold is needed for an image Brown Separation Studio properly builds your BROWNS through the use of secondary and tertiary colors on press Adding a the optional Brown Channel is NOT necessary Regardless some users have requested the ability to generate a separate Brown Channel for their own purposes and itis an ability of the software
27. and Blue Channels resulting in a blue change Merge Turquoise merges data to the Blue channel closest related hue resulting in a blue change Merge Grey is the best of the merge features merging data to the Final top white Channel Most accurate result its advised to adjust the gray channel saturate data before merging as the data will be more subtle than the original channel intensity Saturating prior to merging allows the result to be more accurate to the desired result Further Channel merging can be done using the Apply Channel feature also located under the Channels Menu ColorCrunch 1999 was the sister program to Spot Process developed for the 6 color press This is incorporated into Separation Studio Adjust Channels Adjust Channel is used to adjust the density of data for multiple or individual Channels The feature allows for the simultaneous adjustment of multiple Channels All Channels that are presently selected will be equally adjusted using the High Saturation and Low Saturation sliders All colors with a check mark will be adjusted simultaneously Click to check and uncheck as desired User tip you can right click in the main file window to access this feature To quickly control a specific color Channel right click on any Channel preview in the Channel Window double click the Channel name in the VueRite window to display the adjust window as well 5 Spot Process SEPARATION SOFTWARE
28. based on available screen space Tile tiles all open Windows based on available screen space New window opens a new Channel Window All open files are displayed at the bottom of this menu Checked files are active 20 Spot Process SEPARATION SOFTWARE Tools Explained Separation Studio Tools Explained Separation Studio Tools Lasso Polygon Lasso Select Saturate Desaturate Eraser Drag Tool Drags scrolls a zoomed in image allowing you to see various sections of the image Zoom Tool Click in the image area to magnify click and drag for a fast zoom or use key board commands different for Mac or Windows of Command Control or Zoom Tool options are displayed in the Tool Settings Window Fit On Screen Maximizes the Window size based on screen space then shows the entire image in the Window 21 Spot Process SEPARATION SOFTWARE Tools Explained ae ak Separation Studio Tools Explained continued T 1 r an a i tamet Zoom All Windows matches the zoom factor in all open Channel Windows User Tip The smaller the drag area the greater the magnification Command 0 or Control 0 brings the image back to full screen Command 1 or Control 1 maximizes size to actual pixel dimension Lasso Tool Click and Drag to create a freeform selection area Allows local area control of adjustments and edits Polygon Tool Click different locations on screen to create a s
29. ctable We encourage you to learn all you can about your vector Illustration and raster Photoshop Painter programs Your best information resource is FREE visit WWW SOftwareforscreenprinterstech com Knowledgebase and Video Caf Support is FREE For assistance from a skilled technician submit a request for assistance through the RAPID RESPONSE SYSTEM also located at www softwareforscreenprinterstech com Requesting support is easy Response time is fast Our technicians are ready to assist you during business hours We have made a great effort to organize the answers to your questions and resolves to your issues online so you have 24 7 access Take advantage of this easy to access support opportunity Spot Process SEPARATION SOFTWARE ib Separnticn Se ie jdt Chane fmict Poets liererte Bari mew 6 Yensaw jrip a T aN e e eA Ade Channeke p irar lul mi ilip baiiian oe ledir pru i mi fat La mith thr tlic To Bes Qi E rup 201A TA Users of Spot Process VueRite will immediately see the added value of this NEW version release The added advanced editing tools and features included within the Spot Process Separation Studio Software stand alone application gives the user even greater power to get the best image reproduction results without leaving the application and with greater speed than ever before Videos and Tech Support are available at www softwareforscreenprinterstech com Spot Process
30. d on the Generel tsb Frink Freely Ie eee cencet Aap JI mg STEP 2 Choose PRINT Separations The Composite Tab will now change to SEPARATIONS oups PPE E T Gererai Color Separators Layout Prepraze PostScript x7 Wo Issues Lorimer cverprints Screen treguency Pry fefaull l ipi PostScript Trepplray Opdons Avboratic repping Po Print ef best in bie i hore oe g Pkwy gverprine blach Aufcespceacing t aha Fl Print segperstions jp cotor M Breed width inapi b Muse advanced settings Agne TSi ampt piris Color Order Frequency Angie Overprint S Fl White fase 1 aA i 7E fied Ea GELU S ya Carle es Furpte Print Preview at STEP 3 Click the SEPARATIONS Tab Choose all of the colors you wish to print Assign any and all other Print Window options that you desire then click PRINT 4 Spot Process SEPARATION SOFTWARE Printing Separations Corel X3 and X4 ab Age The Frequency Angle and Dot Shape may or may not be applicable with your output this depends on the RIP you are using for file output RIPs may override settings Regardless of line screen always choose the same SINGLE ANGLE for all colors 22 5 degrees is highly recommended to eliminate moir For more information about choosing line screens frequency dpi Ipi angles print order colors etc see the Color Separation Output section located in this manual
31. e image larger and smaller on screen Zoom Fill Window Shows the entire document does not change the Window size Fit On Screen Maximizes the Window size based on screen space then shows the entire image in the Window Actual Pixels quickly shows the art at full pixel size based on the files resolution Files with higher resolutions preview larger on screen Example if your computer screen is 72 pixels and the file is 144 pixels it will preview twice as large as it prints Just a fast way to see the image large and clear on screen Match Zoom Matches the zoom factor in multiple Windows Match Location Matches the exact location viewed in multiple Channel Windows Channels Show All Channels Hide All Channels Show Ground Color and Adjust Channel are all copies of features found in the Edit and Proof Positive menus 19 Spot Process SEPARATION SOFTWARE Window Menu ae Ga ls Proof Positive Generate Black View Help Separation Studio oiarcter FENG Harcness FIG cance QUIERES Window Menu Displays the Separation Studio Tools and Windows Here you can activate and deactivate Windows By default the Densitometer is deactivated because this feature is displayed in the VueRite Window If a user closes the VueRite Window to use only the Channels Window they should activate the densitometer The smaller Window saves screen space Lock Tool bars holds all Window positions Cascade cascades all open Windows
32. e that fades to a background When working with undefined borders the easiest of the files to prep are those already in layered form Prepare design files with a transparent background and Separation Studio delivers extracts ALL the colors needed for screen printing for any color garment If you will ONLY be printing the file on a black garment and the background is also black then you don t need to mask or edit the file It is ready for Separation Studio PO AA Aa Image with an Undefined Border Working with a flattened image Mask the image in Photoshop or PhotoPaint or use an auto masking plug in software such as Fluid Mask by Vertus or Corel s KnockOut2 SUPER NEW FEATURE Spot Process Separation Studio NOW works with Transparent Layers WOW This saves time and makes it easier for the user TIFF Opto Image Compression errs mnie Law Cancel Q Pat JEL Magimum Image on a Transparent Background Porel Order Transparent Background Information p imandaaved ROERE D Par Channa RAGHEB e Ont Adobe Photoshop Ch Macinwath Photoshop files must have nothing but TRANSPARENT Sa man i Channels for the Transparency option to be available in sina aia the Photoshop SAVE RGB TIF Option Window If even BETAN SER one Channel is filled 100 then the option will not be O Discard Layers anel Sawe a Copy available 3 l Spot Process SEPARATION SOFTWARE Operating Separatio
33. ed the instructions for bringing your separated file into a graphics program Adobe Illustrator or InDesign Corel Draw Quark XPress you are ready to output the file as film positives Spot Process Separation Studio files will output as spot color halftones therefore your will be screen printing halftones We have provided valuable information on pre press and on press This system is a proven method for over 2 decades and millions of impressions We strongly suggest you follow these guidelines so you can enjoy the same success thousands of screen printers have You will be printing from a postscript device laser printer or a non postscript device inkjet using a RIP AccuRIP Software to an Epson Inkjet for example For more information on AccuRIP Software please visit www accurip net where you can download a free trial Halftone Screen Angles The proper halftone screen angle is critical to your success as a screen printer Since we use screens with stretched mesh and that mesh has a frequency of its own an improper selection can create an un wanted result or interference called a moir To eliminate the moir screens need to be stretched with the mesh at the proper 90 degree angle Your film output needs to be either 22 5 degrees or 61 degrees 22 5 being the recommended angle of Freehand Graphics User Tip If you receive a moir then your screen needs to be restretched properly or try another screen All your film po
34. edure called MASKING This is pre separation design work and a skill artists should already have Learn this valuable skill or get Auto masking software such as Vertus Tech s Fluid Mask or Corel s KnockOut2 AND E American Original tif 25 jla ee ne et et ee war ae Vine SPSS a re a 0 N A e Image on a BLACK Background Image on a TRANSPARENT Background The gray and white checkerboard pattern indicates a transparency 33 Spot Process SEPARATION SOFTWARE Operating Separation Studio AE laf http www softwareforscreenprinterstech com separation studio In addition to the information provided in this PDF manual watch the videos provided online in our Video Caf Let s Color Separate Amican Grgemal ul E A Layer 32 MGR aes CTA Aa Foe ee ay tia ee a LE MADE IN THE 5 i 34 Spot Process SEPARATION SOFTWARE Operating Separation Studio i Ey n STEPS 1 Open a properly prepared RGB TIF or PNG file to be separated file preparation is explained on pages 30 33 Separation Studio automatically separates the file into color Channels showing you a raw preview first look Channels are in print order Active Channels E amp amp amp gn tif Proof Positive ai veer ae os White Base ig o m The Separation Studio i Channels are shown at in print order Separation Studio always analyzes the image for all the spectral color values and bu
35. election area of straight lines Allows local area control of adjustments and edits Select Tool Click and Drag to create a selection area Allows local area control of adjustments and edits Lasso Tool Polygon Tool Select Tool The feather feature allows you to set a soft edge for the selection Special Feature You can change the feather setting even after you have made a selection Maximum range is 99 pixels User Tip You can combine grow selections by holding down the SHIFT key on the key board while drawing a new selection To remove reduce a portion of a previous selection hold the Alt or Option key on the keyboard while drawing a new selection To Deselect a selection area just double click within the selection area choose Deselect from the Edit menu or use the keyboard shortcut different for Mac and Windows Command or Control D Spot Process SEPARATION SOFTWARE Tools Explained ae om Saturate Tool Saturates darkens Channel Data which increases channel film density allowing for greater ink flow on press resulting in brighter color areas Special features allow for precise control See Tool Settings Window for tool options Desaturate Tool Desaturates lightens Channel Data which decreases Channel film density allowing for less ink flow on press resulting in darker print areas Special features allow for precise control See Tool Settings Window for tool options Tool Options Saturate Too
36. en you know that the line screen you choose should be approximately 1 5th the mesh 230 divided by 5 46 Simple math Choosing too low or too high of a line screen for a particular mesh will deliver un wanted results on press Pre Press Press Screens Use tight properly stretched screens This is one of the most important aspects to the screen printing process Tight screens produce brighter prints with less ink Ink will sit on top of the garment rather than being forced into the fibers producing a duller image Tight screens use less squeegee pressure to sheer ink producing a cleaner print Tight screens also produce a softer hand by using less ink Screens should be 25 newtons and higher to prevent screen roll Less screen roll produces more consistent registration Use tight screens Learn more about being a quality printer and grow your profits http www softwareforscreenprinters com blog 52 Spot Process SEPARATION SOFTWARE Printing Separations Halftones Ae Mesh For best results use the SAME MESH COUNT on ALL SCREENS That s right the same mesh count Many screen printers believe they should use a lower mesh count on the base screen Why They believe the white ink needs a lower mesh count because it is so thick Today s base white inks are no thicker or thinner than any of the other inks used and since detail on the base screen is very important to the overall result of the print reducing the mesh
37. ening a file for the first time Separation Studio will color separate the file Save Save As Save a File or Save a Copy of the File under a different name Save Color Proof Color Proof Page Setup Print Color Proofs Save a high quality composite of your separated file for use in a presentation or print it directly from Separation Studio Quit Windows Userrs Only Macintosh users will locate this feature under the Separation Studio Menu Quits the Separation Studio Application Spot Process SEPARATION SOFTWARE Edit Menu SeparationStudio File Edit Channels Proof Positive Generate Black View Window Separ Ar ee Fe LDI Ground Color B sac Diameter 32px Edit Menu Change Ground Color Allows you to change the background color on screen to simulate print results on press or when saving printing color proofs Custom makes a new temporary color To Save a color use EDIT TEXTILE GROUND COLOR located under the EDIT Menu IMPORTANT For the best on screen color adjustment control it is advised to use BLACK as a background as often as possible Changing background colors is great for printing color proofs and on screen presentations but using a black background gives the best on screen color saturation preview regardless of the color garment to be printed on Important Note Adjustments made on a BLACK background will reproduce properly on all color garments on press The lighter and brighter the background becom
38. ensity allowing for greater ink flow on press resulting in brighter color areas Special features allow for precise control Desaturate Desaturates lightens channel data which decreases channel film density allowing for less ink flow on press resulting in darker print areas Special features allow for precise control Eraser Erases removes Channel data Special features allow for precise control Tool Options for Saturation Desaturation Eraser Diameter controls the size of the tool Diameter is displayed on screen as a circle called the target area Hardness controls the edge of the brush Tool edging can be hard or soft The result always remains within the tools target area for greater control 0 is a soft airbrush effect while 100 is a hard solid effect Range allows you to set the style of tones the tool effects Choose from High Medium and Low Saturation for greater control 3 Spot Process SEPARATION SOFTWARE Operating Separation Studio MEGT UNIVERSAL COLOR CHANNEL ADJUSTMENTS Double click on a Channel Name not on the color box to its left and the Adjust by Saturation Range box will appear In this example the RED Channel name is selected Use the High Saturation and Low Saturation sliders to make adjustments to the whole Channel s color data r i Aust b at Dale ge ee a ar beaet am et agate A r j 1 High Saturation ERIM BQ e Lavy Saturaltian 8 or Cancel
39. eparation Studio AUTO SAVES all files as DCS2 eps files retaining all spot color Channel data You can REOPEN your file in Separation Studio if you later decide to make edits 5 Import the DCS2 eps file into your favorite graphics program that supports the DCS2 eps format eg Illustrator Draw Quark InDesign Using the tools and features of that chosen program manage and print the spot color separations as ususal These programs manage file output expertly If you need additional assistance on the use of your illustration or publishing program refer to their respective manuals This manul dose discuss file output from several popular programs Done Now your re ready to make screens and go to press Screen mesh frequency and ink information is included in this manual beginning on page 52 36 Spot Process SEPARATION SOFTWARE Operating Separation Studio Ae Details on Color Adjustments and Channel Edits The overview starting on page 34 provided the steps for separating with Spot Process Separation Studio What makes this program the best in the industry and so valuable to users are the built in Channel editing tools and features Look at the full set of separated Channels to Fa SATURATION Ss a determine which Channels will benefit from SATURATION or le DESATURATION DESATURATION J determine if data should be ERASED F ERASER Sy Saturate Saturates darkens channel data which increases channel film d
40. es on screen the more it effects the visual values of the color data but not the actual values density which is why you have a Channel Data Densitometer Black prevents ambient light from surrounding the pixels and altering your perception of the color value A density percentage does not change upon print out regardless of the background color Deselect To deselect any selected area i e lasso polygon or area selection Inverse Selection Inverts or Reverses the controlled area Command Shift i Control Shift i Delete Deletes removes clears data within a selected area Spot Process SEPARATION SOFTWARE Edit Menu id Ea i i Edit Menu continued Edit Ink see image A below Create and modify ink sets By default all Separation Studio Spot Process colors are listed with a Manufacturer name of Freehand and a Series name of Factory Using the plus and minus buttons you can create edit and remove custom ink sets using data you receive from your ink manufacturers IMPORTANT It is strongly suggested to use the Standard colors of Spot Process as often as possible in order to best control print results This is a proven set of colors RGB based just as CMYK has a standard set of colors Additional instructions on the next page after Textile Sets under HOW TO SECTION Moourtactoress BRP Pe ae r Are ild Grange Smi E E ree EET ipate acd Sawe Cosine Cnm righal en Ege
41. ess Separation Studio has a Multilayer Densitometer a valuable tool for any printer that prints wet on wet inks User Tip The New Channel Window used with the slimmer Densitometer handles all the functions of the VueRite Menu Closing the VueRite Menu saves screen space Future releases may not include the VueRite Window Proof Positive Clicking on the Proof Positive Channel quickly displays a full color composite at any time This Freehand Graphics software for creating high resolution color composites released in 1997 has now been incorporated into Separation Studio Channels Right Click on any Channel and a list of options become available a Open a New Window adds a Window to your workspace for just that Channel so you can edit in Ink or film view while you see the result in the full color Proof Positive Window b Edit Channel Properties lets you change the Channels color print position name and even create a new color c Delete Channel removes the Channel from the file d Duplicate creates a duplicate Channel for special editing New Channel Window Displays a new individual Channel so you can see your edits in either ink or film view along side your full color Proof Positive Window Right Click in the New Channel Window to show options 25 Spot Process SEPARATION SOFTWARE Windows Explained ae Gun Channels Menu continued a Switch from Ink view color to
42. ilds the needed underbase and black Depending upon the th image the number of bee wit colors needed will vary x oy te heel plus the software has i ails See built in Merge features y pera j making this a solution aha mie i h TAGS r L for users with a 6 color l ay me anit Gray 8 color or 10 color I press lida ar Ap Ra bi E T LS White Top a vill Ma 35 Spot Process SEPARATION SOFTWARE Operating Separation Studio Ae amp 2 Generate a Black Channel if needed using the software s Black Channel Generator SeparationStudia File Edit Channels Proof Positive View Window Help Maketi Separation Studia E i i F Fu S pi Ground Colar Mameter s2px i Hardness 3 Evaluate the Channels deciding what Channels to delete merge and keep When a Channel has no data very little data or data you determine is not critical to your on press success it can be deleted or merged The Merge Channel features are located under the CHANNELS Menu Note the top white controls most of the details of the image so regardless of the garment color s you will print on we suggest you keep this Channel 4 Using the editing tools available in Separation Studio select individual color Channels and make selections of specific areas to adjust the density of the data if needed using the desaturate and saturate tools and sliders or do universal adjustments to Channels Details provided starting on page 37 4 Save the file S
43. ile will print as halftones as that is the nature of tonal image separations ration Studio 27 r Spot Process SEPARATION SOFTWARE Operating Separation Studio Ae amp l W ot Process J Separations Studio een and On Press Accurate User Instructions for Separating with Spot Process Separation Studio File Separation WORK FLOW Quick Reference 1 Pre Press WORK FLOW Quick Reference Have your RBG file on a TRANSPARENT background layer and saved as a TIF or PNG These file types will provide the easiest workflow and serve ALL of your needs for printing on all garment colors You can also separate an RGB TIF file flattened to a BLACK background when you will ONLY be printing on a black garment A fully cropped RGB TIF image file is also easy to work with as it has no specific background requirement Open the RGB file requirements noted above through Separation Studio The result is a separated file delivered in individual color CHANNELS Run the Black Channel Generator to create a Black Channel 3 options Use the color adjustment tools merge features and editing tools within Separation Studio to adjust it to your liking Save the file auto saves a DCS2 eps file Import Place it into your favorite Illustration program Photoshop or Publishing program for output as halftones 1 Prepare screens using mesh counts that are 5 times the selected halftone frequency dpi Ipi 2 3 Regis
44. iminate moir For more information about choosing line screens frequency dpi Ipi angles print order colors etc see the Color Separation Output section located in this manual wF http www softwareforscreenprinterstech com separation studio 45 Spot Process SEPARATION SOFTWARE Printing Separations Illustrator Ae amp Printing Separation Studio Separations from Adobe Illustrator CS5 Instructions for earlier versions of Adobe Illustrator are located in the Video Caf at http www softwareforscreenprinterstech com separation studio 1 Create a new page in Adobe Illustrator From the File Menu choose PLACE import 2 Locate the separated DCS2 eps file Have linked selected and click PLACE to import the image disregard any messages about no support for transparent work flows 3 Your seps appear as a single scalable file ready to print All spot colors are automatically added to the Swatch Palette These color may be used with vector elements combining your raster and vector elements for professionally clean films TIP Add custom registration marks colored with Illustrator s REGISTRATION color in the Swatch Palette The reg marks will print on each separation Why doesn t the CS4 and CS5 previews look like previous Illustrator version previews Fags iranien HO EJ Whete Pars C Ha P m con D amp rph B g Crean Sa 1GTals 1 CS CS 3 Preview
45. int Low res images from the web are almost always terrible to work with so avoid them Jpeg images can also be poor quality Learn all you can about image editing so you can develop the best art file possible Why Garbage in garbage out Important Visit our web site for support documents and videos www softwareforscreenprinters com File Tip You have a great opportunity to color separate your raster image file in Separation Studio and then combine it PLACE IMPORT into an Illustration program with vector images hard edge graphics and text Color the vector elements and text with the Separation Studio Spot Colors or add additional spot colors Your results will be even sharper and cleaner than separating vector and text as rasters in Separation Studio Do this as often as you can It is very simple and you will love the results In the output section of this manual additional information is provided 29 Spot Process SEPARATION SOFTWARE Operating Separation Studio Artwork File Preparation pre separation File Format Explanation Separation Studio has an even easier workflow than SPVR the previous software version now supporting transparencies Supported file formats have expanded but the best workflow remains using RGBTIF or RGB PNG files with transparent backgrounds RGB is the broader gamut and the gamut used by Separation Studio plus transparency means you work from just ONE file SPVR users will immediately see
46. l Desaturate Tool Diameter controls the size of the tool Diameter is displayed on screen as a circle called the target area Hardness controls the edge of the brush Tool edging can be hard or soft The result always remains within the tools target area for greater control 0 is a soft airbrush effect while 100 is a hard solid effect Range allows you to set the style of tones the tool effects Choose from High Medium and Low Saturation for greater control Options Eraser Tool Erases removes Channel Data Special features allow for precise control See Tool Settings Window for tool options Diameter controls the size of the tool Diameter is displayed on screen as a circle called the target area Hardness controls the edge of the brush Tool edging can be hard or soft The result always remains within the tools target area for greater control 0 is a soft airbrush effect while 100 is a hard solid effect 93 Spot Process SEPARATION SOFTWARE Windows Explained ae n Software Windows Explained Most Windows and Palettes are dockable then lockable You can arrange your workspace to suit your need and screen size Windows may be hidden to create greater space on screen See Window Menu to hide and show Windows Active Channels When making Channel edits on the full color Proof Positive Window you can select the exact Channel or group of Channels you wish to control Colors with a check mark are
47. n Studio ay m Transparent Background Information RDE _ Corel PhotoPaint neat Fac race Create Corel PhotoPaint files in the RGB mode with No back Prose deinen Foam iu ground checked in the Background color option EXPORT the SA EA EER finished file as a PNG RGB Mode check Transparency For T ome e files containing a background eliminate the background posken mask creating a transparent layer Make sure ALL layers oard cones AAt have transparent backgrounds Separating transparent back TARNA ne ground files in Sep Studio will create separations for use on all color garments A transparent background is NOT neces ganr settings sary is when you are printing on a black garment ONLY and urese moe tr yor mene the file is on a black backgroundor the image is a fully cropped image In this case the file should be saved as an E D rok show this dialog agel RGB TIF oe mort vee Lic I Gi TAE HAE Formal PMi Fetim F Tran sgarency Image shown ona Advanced proper Transparent Pica cat eee Background with the wich erisedi aa Transparency feature f Tira Transinemalion checked If you desire a soft edge to the image check Anti aliased _ Fora harder sharper 5 edge uncheck Anti aliased PHG ACE Cote 24 be l IAJE 2B seconce R285 255 6 Alpha t Ham FPP Speed 56kbps Moten SIH Canal ie Corel PHOTO PAI
48. nd tonal image separations is easy and better yet a very desirable and profitable technique Even after just a few separations and press runs you will be very skilled at the process Spot Process Separation Studio is head and shoulders better than any other method or software Through our FREE trials and global user base it is proven every day From the very first release back in 1995 to this amazing NEW Version released in 2010 screen printers have been provided with the ability to deliver the best Thank you for choosing Spot Process Separation Studio We wish you great business success 55 Spot Process SEPARATION SOFTWARE Contact Info ae can Freehand Graphics Inc 31 Ridgefield Drive Shoreham NY 11786 USA 631 744 4330 PH Sales Department 631 821 3670 FX email tech softwareforscreenprinterstech com www softwareforscreenprinters com Learn more about being a quality printer and grow your profits http www softwareforscreenprinters com blog Credits Artwork in this Manual have been provided by Cora Kromer of Awearness Ink Dane Clement of Great Dane Graphics Steve McDonald Freehand Graphics and others Thank you Al Rights Reserved 2009 2010 2011 Freehand Graphics Inc 56
49. o allow local adjustments giving the user ultimate control of their images Marquis shows the targeted area being effected ene GC ERUPT Wif Proof Positive BON T Adjust by Saturation Range ial l l BED High Saturation 77 a r daer Low Saturation 10 areernennanneneerennenien z as i ER Cancel OK Undo Feature You have up to 10 undo s by default to undo adjustments or any moves you have made within Separation Studio The software Preferences can be adjusted to an undo number you prefer 39 Spot Process SEPARATION SOFTWARE Printing Separations Corel AE n FILE OUTPUT INSTRUCTIONS When your separated file has been saved automatically saves as a dcs2 eps file it is time to PLACE IMPORT or OPEN Photoshop only the file into programs that handle spot color output printing quickly easily and efficiently such as Adobe Illustrator InDesign and Photoshop Corel Draw and QuarkXPress If you are unfamiliar with the import and handling abilities of your graphics program please become familiar with them by reviewing their instruction manuals For your convenience we have provided a quick reference for you Printing Separation Studio Separations from CorelDRAW X5 HEDIS Instructions for earlier versions of Corel DRAW are located at UE http www softwareforscreenprinterstech com separation studio Corel has different work flows for the various DRAW versions With ALL Corel DRAW ver
50. rinting Separations Illustrator ae we WANT TO ADD ELEMENTS to your file before outputting You can add vector elements logos and type and share the imported spot colors from the Swatch Palette For example you can add text copy and color it with the same Red from your Separation Studio color separation so the vector and the raster Red elements will output to the same film Vector Text A 1 E Registration iii 1 Ground Color wt Base CEOTTO ii E 4 Gon BB cren LI 9 Final White Nel 2 tlie oN F h E E l bad J Fi Oe Ls m a H aa ge 49 Spot Process SEPARATION SOFTWARE Printing Separations Quark XPress InDesign Photoshop Ae i Quark XPress and InDesign 1 Create picture boxes and Import Place the DCS2 eps file as you would any other file The spot colors associated with the file are automatically added to the swatch and color palettes 2 Your seps appear as a single scalable file ready to print All spot colors are automatically added to the Swatch Color Palette These colors may be used with vector elements combining your raster and vector elements for professionally clean and perfect films 3 Operate your design application normally these high end seps are as easy to print as simple spot color vector designs Photoshop CS3 and CS4 1 OPEN the Separation Studio saved DCS2 eps file into Photoshop Select the Channels you wish
51. sions it is critical that you IMPORT your Separation Studio EPS into Corel Draw and DO NOT try to OPEN the file 1 Create a new page in Draw From the File Menu choose Import Do not Openor impon EPS drag and drop images into Draw they must be IMPORTED Note Opening will ee result in multiple grayscale layers and not Import as editable the importation of a proper single color image for scaling and layout Text 2 Be sure that in the Import Window the re arene Eee Files of type setting is set to All File Place as encapsulated PostScript Formats Select your file Click IMPORT Choose Place as encapsulated PostScript not Import as editable Click OK 3 Scale the image size if desired Add las Cancel Help When you import the file as editable some Y imitations may apply 40 Spot Process SEPARATION SOFTWARE Printing Separations Corel X5 ay custom registration marks colored with the REGISTRATION COLOR swatch supplied in the Corel UNIFORM FILL Window if desired 4 Go to the PRINT Window You should be prompted with a series of windows alerting you that Corel identifies each spot color contained in th EPS file Warning early releases of Corel X5 appear to be a little inconsistent and may not show these alert windows That does not mean it did not operate properly Manage the output of your separations as usual See the STEPS below ap
52. sitives share the same angle single angle printing known as Flemenco so if you get a moir on one screen then it is clearly a problem with the screen stretching because if it was the angle then the moir would be a universal problem 51 Spot Process SEPARATION SOFTWARE Printing Separations Halftones Ae amp Halftone Spot Shape Freehand suggests for the most accurate reproduction use a round spot Many screen printers use elliptical and that works too but elliptical halftones will introduce a pattern effect into the final print that will be disturbing when working with low line screens Also the use of elliptical shapes was first thought to reduce the effects of dot gain but since Flemenco single angle printing does not suffer from the same ill effects of a rosette pattern moir this safeguard is not needed Halftone Line Screens Separation Studio files can reproduce at any line screen halftone frequency Ipi dpi Choose a line screen frequency based on your comfort level with exposing and printing halftones and your desired outcome visual look of a dot pattern halftone as it is seen from 4 or more feet away Screen printers most often choose line screens between 45 and 55 Ipi Remember that your mesh count needs to be approximately 5 times 5X your frequency for a quality end result Therefore a line screen of 45 dpi or Ipi should be exposed to a 230 mesh 45 x 5 225 If you have only 230 mesh available th
53. ter screens use the print order provided Use high quality opaque inks and flash only the white base All other colors will print wet on wet ENJOY easy printing long press runs and accurate vibrant results 7 http wwwaoftwareforscreenprinterstech com separation studio 28 Spot Process SEPARATION SOFTWARE Operating Separation Studio Ae amp Artwork File Preparation pre separation Image Resolution When working with raster images scans digital photos Photoshop files jpegs TIFFs etc choose your image resolution between 100 and 150 dpi when there isn t text or hard edges This is proper image handling and highly recommended Image quality is retained with lower memory while processor and print out speed remain fast When working with raster files with text and or hard edges choose your resolution between 200 and 300 dpi while working on the full size image to improve the quality of hard edges This will dramatically increase your file size and increase processing and print out time but is necessary to create as clean a result with raster image files Image Quality Your image should be of high quality high contrast good shadow values sharp clear color corrected and not dull A dull or washed out image will yield dull results Spot Process Separation Studio is designed to reproduce your image as accurately as possible and therefore a poor quality image will yield an accurate poor quality pr
54. the benefit of this major enhancement Cropped Images and Non Cropped Images JA Example Cropped image has aa a defined border such J as a square Example Undefined border Some of the colors even fade away to the background shirt In this example the image fades to a black background You can color separate cropped images AND images with an undefined border including color fades to the background garment Separation Studio separations work on ALL garment colors A cropped image eg movie poster is ready to separate Simply OPEN the RGB TIF file through Separation Studio and you will have a full set of color separated CHANNELS excluding the Black Channel Then simply Run the Black Channel Generator on the same file to develop the Black Channel Separating a file with an undefined background is equally as easy when the file is built in transparent layers Simply open the RGB TIF RGB PNG file with transparencies and Run the Black Channel Generator In both cases Separation Studio will deliver a full set of Channels ready to color adjust and output from an Illustration or publishing program Enjoy production friendly separations under base spectral colors black and top white 30 Spot Process SEPARATION SOFTWARE Operating Separation Studio Important Information on Files with Undefined Borders most common user jobs The most common user file is an image with an undefined border such as on
55. to output and all of the viewable Channels will print You Print the file by going to the PRINT Window in Photoshop You can print the whole file or individual Channels TIP Photoshop MUST be set to NO COLOR MANAGEMENT Change the Output option to Color Management and set Color Handling to NO COLOR MANAGEMENT IMPORTANT Photoshop CS5 Info CS5 has a new workflow For details see our Video online http www softwareforscreenprinterstech com separation studio _ ntater Management H Frinta AccuRIP ss Esson siab APertila U miaon i Y Copies 1 T iiei i Peolile Him Page Setup Y ial Celer Handling taiar kananman w Poitisn 1 hose Pn l rama ra freq larter irria 5 7 Rameeher po disable color ma Tee in the pelnter dialog bok B Donme reptile BCR CG 19G 2 1 Printer Prote g Frati Profile Wy 4 Late piens Working AGE Apaia RCB E Scaled Print Size 1 aiene le Cabar Hangir f Proter Manag Coleen i Peotostop Margen Colori COI Senko te Feet badia i Arae Coney Scale oose Eh Poat Corcebaaran Heast 7 333 a Proci Setup e438 Weartineg CMYK Bark Poort Corse rita Print Rerodutios 339 PPI pay USS ere 50 Spot Process SEPARATION SOFTWARE Printing Separations Output Halftones Ae amp Color Separation Output printing film positives Once you have completed the adjustments to your separations and have follow
56. ve Generate Black View Window Teen ME Glack MF Diameter Generate Black Menu As part of the Spot Process Color Separation algorithm you can create three levels of special Black Channels to fit your needs Black Channels are important to the success of printing on all color garments with the exception of black Preset options make it easy to succeed Now that Separation Studio supports transparencies the workflow for Generating a Black Channel is a simple CLICK Since Separation Studio allows you to Generate Black from either a file or a document the end result of the Black Channel can vary It is recommended that you Generate Black from File You will browse and locate the original design file on the transparent background or fully cropped image In this way the black that is being generated is coming form the color data prior to any user saturation adjust ments If you Generate Black from document which means the actual Separation Studio separation on screen it is best to Generate the Black prior to making any saturation adjustments of the Channels s 17 Spot Process SEPARATION SOFTWARE Generate Black Menu Ae amp Generate Black Menu continued From File DELIVERS BEST RESULT It is advised to use this feature over the from document feature Select the style that is best for your need locate your file the one with a white or transparent background The Black Channel is created and placed
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